Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
TL;DR
- According to the most recent IDC information, international shipments of wrist-worn gadgets dipped barely in comparison with final yr.
- HUAWEI has overtaken Apple to turn into the highest model in general wrist-worn shipments.
- While smartwatch shipments have slowed general, the health band market exhibits sturdy development.
Shipments of wrist-worn gadgets — together with health bands and smartwatches — totaled 139.0 million models worldwide within the first three quarters of 2024, in line with recent numbers from the International Data Corporation (IDC). That’s a slight dip of about 1% from final yr’s 140.5 million, signaling that this once-explosive class may be hitting a nap button, at the least briefly.
The massive headline this yr is that HUAWEI has overtaken Apple in whole wrist-worn shipments, securing the highest spot with 23.6 million models moved — a powerful 44.3% enhance from the identical interval final yr.
That’s much more spectacular, contemplating the truth that the smartwatch phase general isn’t precisely on hearth. A complete of 112.2 million smartwatches shipped globally within the first three quarters of 2024, down 3.8% from final yr. On the flip facet, health trackers or sensible bands) noticed a 12.7% bump to 26.8 million models globally.
HUAWEI’s up to date product lineup, that includes the brand new Watch GT 5, GT 5 Pro, and Watch D2, and its efforts to adapt its model and choices to completely different areas, from the Asia-Pacific to the Middle East and Africa, appear to have paid off handsomely.
Apple remains to be the undisputed chief in pure smartwatch shipments and even grabbed the highest spot once more throughout the third quarter, courtesy of the brand new Apple Watch Series 10. However, Apple’s general standing slipped on account of one evident absence: it doesn’t actually cater to the health bands market. With lower-cost rivals flooding the scene, Apple’s premium-only strategy means it’s lacking out on entry-level patrons.
Value is the brand new king
Samsung’s technique has been to cowl all the value factors: its Galaxy Watch 7 collection and the brand new high-end Galaxy Watch Ultra pulled in customers on the lookout for premium options, whereas the extra wallet-friendly Galaxy Watch FE and Galaxy Fit3 wristband coated the fundamentals. That strategy pumped up Samsung’s shipments by 24.3% — sufficient to nab a cushty fourth-place end and guarantee it might cater to only about each sort of shopper.
Xiaomi and BBK (the guardian firm behind OPPO, OnePlus, and Vivo) additionally skilled vital development, with year-over-year will increase of 26.5% and 25.9%, respectively. These firms have capitalized on the rising demand for inexpensive and feature-rich wearables, significantly in rising markets.
The “Others” class — everybody else not making the highest 5 — shrank by a noticeable 20.3%, suggesting that model consolidation may be a pattern sooner or later.
While general shipments are down barely, sure areas and product varieties carried out higher than others. China led international development and singlehandedly helped maintain the class from falling off a cliff. Its 45.8 million shipments within the first three quarters of 2024 signify a sturdy 20.1% year-over-year enhance, comfortably outpacing any slowdown seen in locations like India and the United States.
In the tip, this tiny blip in development may be simply what the market wants — a chance for firms to get artistic and assume past cookie-cutter designs. As competitors tightens, we are able to count on a wave of recent concepts and improvements to drive gross sales.
